If you’re like me, you probably perk up anytime you hear about a movie being made in or about China. Having one made about expats living in China was a first though, and so when I first heard about Shanghai Calling, a romantic comedy about American expats living in Shanghai, I was pretty keen to watch it.

The film centres around a young American attorney (Daniel Henney) sent to Shanghai on assignment, only to get mixed up in shady business deals, quirky cultural experiences and a bit of romance (with Scrubs’ Eliza Coupe). The supporting cast features Alan Ruck (a.k.a. Cameron Frye), Bill Paxton, Geng Le (playing the excellently named “Awesome Wang”) and Zhu Zhu.

I’ve yet to see the film, but when Daniel Hsia, the film’s writer/director, contacted Lost Laowai to share his film’s new contest geared specifically towards us expats, I was happy to help pass on the info. And so here it is:

SHANGHAI CALLING, the award-winning romantic comedy about American expats living in China, recently began playing at film festivals across the country.

Now we want to hear YOUR “Expat Stories!” Submit your best story about something that happened to you while traveling abroad, studying abroad, or living abroad, and you could win a trip for two to see SHANGHAI CALLING at an upcoming film festival!

Your story must be a true, original experience. Creativity is encouraged! Speak it, act it out, write an original song, animate it. The best videos will be featured on our website throughout the contest period.

Offensive or profane submissions will not be considered.

Submissions are eligible from 12:00:00pm Pacific Daylight Time (“PDT”) on June 6, 2012, until 11:59:59 pm PDT on July 6, 2012.

Grand Prize Winner will receive a trip for 2 to a festival premiere of SHANGHAI CALLING at one of the two following film festivals: Stony Brook Film Festival in Long Island, NY; or Asian American International Film Festival in New York City.

Talk on Shanghai Calling is calling for your expat stories

I wish I did. The Web site seems to indicate that they are touring the festival circuit, including in China. Other than that, if you’re in China, you’ll likely have to either hope that it makes a big enough splash on DVD to warrant pirating to the DVD shops or torrents.

About Lost Laowai

Founded in 2006, Lost Laowai has been made for and is maintained by China expatriates with a deep interest in China. Sometimes we love it, sometimes we hate it -- but never does this country fail to captivate us.

Founded in 2006, Lost Laowai has been made for and is maintained by China expatriates with a deep interest in China. Sometimes we love it, sometimes we hate it -- but never does this country fail to captivate us.